Almost one in ten Americans is dependent on drugs or alcohol. This statistic illustrates the dire need for addiction treatment centers. Various programs are available to assist a person who is starting the process of overcoming addiction, but lasting change must come from within. Self-empowering addiction treatment options seem fairly limited.
So… what else is there?
SMART Recovery is quickly becoming the most popular alternative to traditional 12 step groups. It’s not only free but also open to those who want to pursue help abolishing addiction from their lives. SMART Recovery uses science-based knowledge to assist people with problematic behavioral patterns. SMART stands for Self-Management And Recovery Training. We feel that all individuals who are seeking treatment should be informed of various options available to them, and choose the ones that resonate the most with them. SMART Recovery meetings are offered in both face-to-face settings and online to provide the best support to recovering addicts.
The SMART Recovery System Consists of Four Key Principles:
Building Motivation- The first step is to motivate oneself with his or her own will. Clients are taught the process of developing their innate motivation, which focuses on achieving goals through motivational interviewing (MI). Coping With Urges- A social group can help to cope with urges, because it provides the opportunity to turn to others when someone feels triggered. Online chats are available to communicate with the group to talk through urges. Managing Behavior and Thoughts- Clients are taught to settle the conflict between internal aspiration and external response patterns. As a result, they respond in such a way which is healthy and effective. Achieving a Balanced Lifestyle- The ultimate goal of the program is to achieve techniques and strategies to live a balanced life. Clients need to create long term changes by focusing on health and wellbeing.
If you are looking for SMART Recovery meetings in Utah, please check out smartrecovery.org’s list of meetings here.
The Three P's in SMART Recovery: Patience, Practice, Persistence
In the world of addiction recovery, it's common to hear about the importance of setting goals and staying on track. However, what sets SMART Recovery apart from other programs is its emphasis on the three P's: Patience, Practice, and Persistence.
Patience
Patience may not be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing recovery, but it is a crucial aspect of overcoming addiction. Recovery is not a quick fix, and it takes time and effort to see progress. It's important to remember that each individual's journey is unique and everyone progresses at their own pace.
Practice
Practice makes perfect, or so they say. In SMART Recovery, practice is key to developing and maintaining healthy habits. Through various tools and techniques, individuals are encouraged to practice skills such as problem-solving, refusal skills, and emotional management. Regular practice of these skills allows them to become second nature and can greatly aid in overcoming urges and triggers.
Persistence
Recovery is not a smooth journey without any bumps along the way. It takes persistence to stay committed and motivated, especially during challenging times. It's important to remember that relapses are a part of the overall recovery process and should not be seen as a failure. With persistence, individuals can learn from their mistakes and continue moving forward.
Chateau Recovery is a renowned addiction treatment center that offers various options for aftercare. One of the most effective and widely used methods at our facility is SMART Recovery. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training, a science-based approach that empowers individuals to overcome their addiction and maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
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Adamson, D. M., & Ahmed, A. G. (2011). Addiction and co-occurring disorders from a SMART Recovery perspective: A manual for group therapists. Mentor, OH: SMART Recovery.
Allen, R. A. (Ed.). (2015). SMART Recovery family & friends handbook. Mentor, OH: SMART Recovery.